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Intro -
One of the great unspoiled corners of Europe, Normandy is an enchanted and fascinating place. Behind the lush, green hills of the interior, or the wide and empty beaches of golden sand, or the charming towns and villages of half-timbered houses and noble churches, Normandy hides an often turbulent history in places as diverse as Rouen, Bayeux, Fécamp, Arromanches and Mont Saint Michel.
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris/Rouen
On arrival in Paris we will be met by our SAT tour manager and our touring bus and driver. We will transfer to the central 3-star Hotel Mercure Champ de Mars in Rouen in good time for lunch. The hotel is just 10 minutes’ walk from the heart of the old town. Free time, dinner at the hotel, overnight in Rouen.
 Day 2 - Rouen
This morning, we will attend Mass at Rouen Cathedral, immortalized by Claude Monet’s great series of paintings. After the service, we can discover the cathedral in more detail and view the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and William the Conqueror’s grandfather. Next, we will enjoy a walking tour around the picturesque medieval heart of this proud city. A visit is included to the modern church built as homage to Joan of Arc, the heroine of France. Nearby, a tall cross marks the spot where St Joan was burnt at the stake. We will have free after lunch to visit Rouen’s excellent Fine Arts museum which includes works by Monet, Renoir, Boudin and Delacroix or tosinply to explore Normandy’s capital city at leisure. Overnight Rouen.
Day
3 - Fécamp: Bénédictine / Honfleur / Cabourg
We begin the day with a short drive through beautiful pastoral countryside to Fécamp, home of the famous liqueur Bénédictine. It was originally distilled in an old monastery from a blend of 27 plants and herbs. Today Bénédictine Palace itself is a treasure-house of artifacts and curiosities. After the visit and tasting, we drive along the splendid coast to the picturesque port of Honfleur. This delightful old harbour town is distinguished by its waterfront of tall, pastel-coloured 18th century houses and the intricate maze of streets that comprise the vieux centre. We will enjoy lunch in one of Honfleur’s many fine fish restaurants before continuing along the coast to the fashionable seaside resort of Cabourg. We arrive in good time to enjoy a stroll on the famous seafront before settling down for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Cabourg.
Day
4 - Bayeux Tapestry / D-Day Beaches
 A day for history. We drive today from Cabourg to Bayeux, home to the celebrated Bayeux Tapestry, among the most extraordinary and vivid treasures of medieval Europe. This unique fabric depicts the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, the Battle of Hastings and the establishment of William the Conqueror as King of England. All will become clear with the aid of a fascinating audioguide. After lunch, we head north a few miles and forward a few centuries to the time and place of another invasion - D-Day, the landing of the Allied Armies on 6th June 1944 on the Normandy beaches. We visit Omaha Beach, the scene of the heaviest fighting involving American forces, and see the humbling American Military Cemetery at Colleville St. Laurent. We will walk among the devastated landscapes of the Pointe du Hoc where the Rangers laid siege to the German defences. From the peaceful village of Arromanches we stare out to sea where the remains of the mighty Mulberry Harbours can still be seen. Back to Cabourg for overnight.
Day
5 - Deauville / Marcel Proust
This morning we will visit a local farm and discover the delights of two of Normandy’s gastronomic specialities - Camembert, the famous creamy cheese and Calvados, a liqueur made from apples. Then we take a short drive to the renowned resort of Deauville, which manages to be both a charming village and glamorous international playground at one and the same time. We will take afternoon tea at one the stylish cafes along the seafront. Back in Cabourg, we will dine tonight at Le Grand Hotel Cabourg in its Restaurant Le Balbec where Marcel Proust often dined, indulging his lavish and elegant tastes. The hotel still honors this history with salons named after the writer and his favourite dishes, prepared by award-winning French chefs. Overnight Cabourg.
 Day 6 - Mt. St. Michel /Saint Malo
First stop this morning is the small village of Villedieu les Poeles, noted for its antiques. Then on to the spectacular, almost miraculous, site of Mont St. Michel, an impossibly beautiful abbey church like no other, set high on a mountain in the middle of the sea. Upon arrival we will enjoy lunch at the famous Mere Poulard Restaurant, and then tour the great church itself. We continue afterwards along the coastal road to the proud walled city of St. Malo. We will have time to stroll along the ramparts and explore the evocative streets intra muros before choosing a restaurant for dinner. Overnight St. Malo.
Day
7 - Versailles / Paris
After breakfast, we depart back towards Paris, visiting two of France’s greatest cultural treasures en route. First stop is the incomparable medieval cathedral of Chartres, world-renowned for its dazzling array of stained glass. Lunch is included here in Chartres. We will head on to visit the incredible Chateau de Versailles, the principal home and seat of government of King Louis XIV and the greatest royal palace ever built. We will arrive in Paris in the late afternoon and settle in to our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Paris.
Day
8 - Paris
Today starts with a morning sightseeing tour of Paris with a local guide. We will visit the fabulous Nôtre Dame Cathedral and see all the finest landmarks of this remarkable City of Light. A highlight of the day will be an inside visit to the Louvre Museum, where you will meet the Mona Lisa herself, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo and much more. We have free time this afternoon to explore, perhaps to journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower, to take a boat trip on the River Seine or try and pick up a rare manuscript from “les bookinistes” along the river. Dinner at wherever we choose in Paris with suggestions from our SAT tour leader. Overnight Paris.
Day
9
Depart Paris
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